Last-minute childcare? Sure. Internal organs? Negotiable.
When Rachael called me to say she couldn’t make the media preview for Hershey Social, I knew two things immediately:
- She was genuinely heartbroken to miss it
- I was absolutely not letting this opportunity go to waste
Now, did this require some aggressive last-minute childcare maneuvering? Yes. Did I briefly consider what body parts I could realistically function without in order to make it happen? Also yes. But honestly, who really needs two kidneys when there are cocktails, giant desserts, and a new Hershey restaurant to investigate?
It was worth it. Entirely. Deeply. Potentially nephrologically.
As both the Lebanon Macaroni KID publisher and someone who spends a lot of time covering food and local experiences in Central PA, this was very much in my wheelhouse. And from the minute I walked in, Hershey Social had that “yes, people are going to love this” feeling.
The space feels made for adults who still enjoy having fun
Hershey Social has the kind of vibe that makes you sit up a little straighter in your chair and think, “Wow, I really am outside my house, and no one here is asking me for a snack.”
The redesigned downtown Hershey space includes a wraparound bar, high-top seating, lots of TVs, shared tables, and enough energy to make it feel lively without crossing into “I need to shout over this appetizer” territory.
The menu is playful, indulgent, and very aware that it lives in Hershey
Things people are going to order on purpose
- Taste of Hershey Wing Trio
- Pretzel Board
- Smash Burgers
- Mediterranean Grilled Salmon Salad
- Social Braised Short Ribs
Desserts that understand drama
- Reese’s Take5 Piecaken
- Sundae Spectacular
- Chocolate-heavy Hershey classics
The Sundae Spectacular is less “dessert” and more “architectural achievement.”
The drink menu gets it. All of it.
Hershey Social’s cocktail menu is not shy. Think chocolate martinis, bourbon drinks, Long Islands, martini flights, and all the pretty little details that make a drink feel like part of the event.
- Hershey Social Signature Old Fashioned
- Chocolate S’mores Bourbon
- Downtown Long Island
- Hershey’s Kisses Signature Chocolate Martini
- Berry on Broadway, Crimson Crush, Lavender Haze
They also offer zero-proof beverages, including the Zesty Mock-arita. I love it when a place makes room for everyone to join in the fun, whether you’re drinking alcohol or not.
Interactive darts, because apparently dinner and drinks weren’t enough
The darts setup at Hershey Social is one of the things that really makes it feel like an experience, not just a meal. It’s high-tech, customizable, replay-friendly, and way more inviting than the phrase “let’s go play darts” usually sounds.
- State-of-the-art vision board technology
- Multiple pre-programmed games
- Custom skill levels
- Instant replays
- 80-minute sessions for up to six players
Audreanna’s verdict
Hershey Social is going to be a strong yes for date nights, special occasions, girls’ nights, and honestly, any adult outing where you want food, drinks, and something a little more fun than just sitting politely across from each other discussing logistics.
Would I scramble for last-minute childcare again to cover a place like this? Absolutely. Would I recommend sacrificing a kidney? Probably not. But spiritually? I stand by it.
Want to plan your grown-up escape?
Book the table, reserve the darts, order the dessert, and enjoy a meal where nobody is sticky and nobody asks if your cocktail is juice.
